If you’re in the market for a dog, it only stands to reason that you want one that is going to be healthy. While there are no guarantees when it comes to the health and longevity of any dog, there are certainly some breeds who are renowned for their excellent health and length of life. These are important considerations for any potential dog owner. Dogs who enjoy fewer health conditions are far less expensive to care for and are also less likely to succumb to serious illness or even death at a young age. If you’re ready to add a new pooch to your family, you will want to ask yourself the question, “What are the healthiest breeds to own?”
The Top 10 Healthiest Breeds
If you were to do a quick Google search of breeds who experience the least number of health problems, you would find a comprehensive list of well over 30 breeds from which you could choose your new fave furry friend. With so many healthy dog breeds to choose from, you are spoiled for choice!
Bear in mind that with all dog breeds, the health of the parents involved in the breeding pair as well as the lines behind them will determine the health of any puppy you purchase. As with all living beings, environment and nutrition also plays a critical role in the development or absence of disease.
Here is a list of ten of the top dog breeds who enjoy excellent health:
Foxhound
The Foxhound is a dog breed that was bred to enjoy life as a working dog. His original purpose was to accompany his owner on foxhunting adventures.
Foxhounds typically enjoy a lifespan of between 11 to 13 years with excellent quality of life. So long as the Foxhound receives sufficient exercise throughout his lifetime, he is unlikely to experience any serious health conditions.
German Short-Haired Pointer
The German Short-Haired Pointer is also a dog that is highly prized for his hunting abilities. Pointers are a high energy breed with an exceptional level of intelligence. This drive means the Pointer will require regular physical and mental stimulation to remain a contented and healthy pooch.
A breed that can live from 12-14 years, the Pointer surely enjoys excellent longevity. Though Pointers can suffer from such illnesses as torsion and hip dysplasia; in general, they are a very healthy breed.
Border Collie
Border Collies are another working breed who are well-renowned for their work ethic and keen intelligence. The Border Collie is also highly athletic and is a breed that thrives on pleasing his family.
If a Border Collie receives regular physical and mental exercise to keep his brain and body in excellent shape, he may live to be anywhere from 10 to 14 years of age.
“All American Dog”
The All American Dog goes by a number of different names. Some would refer to him as a Heinz 57 or even an SPCA Special. Whatever you call the breed, they are adorable, available in many shapes, sizes, and ages, and are most definitely beloved!
The All American Dog is often of unknown parentage and pedigree. Mixed breed dogs are an unknown variable when it comes to health guarantees; however, many of them do seem to enjoy better health than their purebred counterparts though this is not always the case. Some experts would intimate that the genetic diversity at work in a mixed breed dog works in the All American Dog’s favor as there is less likelihood of recessive genes aligning to produce genetic illness within the dog.
Havanese
The friendly Havanese makes a wonderful addition to any family. Enjoying a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, Havanese are known to experience very few health problems.
The Havanese requires only moderate exercise to keep him healthy, and high quality nutrition will ensure he continues to remain vital and strong throughout his lifetime.
Australian Shepherd
Similar in nature and exuberance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a high energy working breed. Selectively bred to assist farmers with herding their livestock, it was essential that the Australian Shepherd be a dog with few health issues that would prevent the dog from doing his work.
Australian Shepherds can live from 12 to 15 years.
Jack Russell Terrier
Like most terriers, the lively Jack Russell Terrier is a breed that lives to a ripe old age. The most common cause of death for Jack Russell Terriers is collision with a moving vehicle. Otherwise, this smart, tenacious little dog can live up to 19 years of age with excellent health.
The Jack Russell is a dog of exceeding intelligence with a penchant for mischief. To keep him safe and able to live a full life, this breed requires an owner with the savvy to keep him well-exercised and properly contained.
Labrador Retriever
A healthy, happy family companion, the Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed, and for good reason. Often living up o 13 years of age, the Labrador Retriever is a sporting dog who excels at retrieving and hunting. With sufficient exercise to keep his weight at a moderate level, the Labrador Retriever is a dog with very few health concerns.
Siberian Husky
Another breed with a history as a working dog, the Siberian Husky finds his origins as a sled dog. A dog of medium size, the Husky enjoys good quality of life and few health conditions. This breed most often lives between 11 to 13 years.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the ultimate lap dog. Surprisingly high energy, many Chihuahuas reportedly live between 18-20 years. Though this breed is known for its good health, it is essential to provide moderate daily exercise and to carefully monitor the Chi’s weight.
Yes, there are lots of great dog breeds to choose from that are known for their excellent health and long life. If you’re on the lookout for your next family pooch, consider one of these breeds. You just might find one of them is the perfect fit for you!
